REAL ID deadline is in less than a year. Here’s what Californians need to do

The Might 3, 2023 deadline to be REAL ID-compliant is rapidly approaching and lots of across the nation, together with residents in California, should be uncertain about what it’s and what must be accomplished with the intention to board home flights.

The brand new IDs are a part of a federal initiative to streamline identification playing cards from every state right into a cohesive program that acknowledges the validity of the ID. Officers with the Division of Homeland Safety say that the REAL ID program is designed to reduce the possibilities of fraudulent IDs being created and used nationwide.

Beneath, we have now compiled an inventory of generally requested questions in the case of the REAL ID and how one can acquire one in California forward of the deadline.

What’s a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a government-issued identification doc that meets federally set tips outlined within the REAL ID Act that was handed by Congress in 2005 following a advice from the 9/11 Fee. The ID can come within the type of a license for licensed drivers or a state ID.

How does it differ from my present ID?

Identification playing cards that don’t adjust to the REAL ID Act presently are marked within the higher right-hand nook with “not for federal ID,” “federal limits apply,” and different messages indicating that the ID isn’t REAL ID compliant.

The brand new IDs will comprise one in all 5 small stickers, featured under, within the higher proper nook to indicate that the ID is a REAL ID.

Do I’ve to replace my present ID?

In the event you hope to board a home flight utilizing your ID, moderately than a passport or different doc accepted by the Transportation Safety Administration, sure, you will want to get a REAL ID.

How a lot does a REAL ID price in California?

In keeping with the Division of Motor Automobiles, in California, REAL ID driver’s licenses and ID playing cards price $35.

What occurs when REAL ID takes impact?

After Might 3, 2023, solely those that have a REAL ID will probably be permitted to current the ID as a legitimate type of identification with the intention to board home flights at TSA safety checkpoints and enter sure federal buildings and properties.

Some states do concern Enhanced Driver’s Licenses that are additionally accepted; nonetheless, California doesn’t supply EDLs.

Who can get a REAL ID?

The REAL ID is on the market for any one who can show their authorized residency, momentary or everlasting, in the US. Inexperienced Card holders and individuals within the Deferred Motion for Childhood Arrivals or Non permanent Protected Standing are eligible to acquire a REAL ID, in addition to anybody who’s in the US on a legitimate pupil or employment visa.

How do I get a REAL ID?

To acquire a REAL ID, you may apply on-line through the California DMV web site. You will have to log in or make an account, which may be accomplished right here, and start the appliance course of by deciding on “ID or driver license” as the rationale for navigating to the positioning. When you’ve got beforehand began an utility, the system will ask if you need to proceed your utility. New candidates will probably be requested to enter their full identify and choose whether or not they need to acquire a brand new card, renew an present card, right or replace a card or exchange a card.

After selecting “get a card for the primary time,” you’ll add the required proof of identification and residency paperwork. As soon as these steps have been accomplished, the applicant will make an appointment to go to a DMV location in particular person and can obtain a affirmation code that must be dropped at the appointment, alongside together with your supporting paperwork.

Word: the affirmation web page ought to present two barcodes for it to be taken on the DMV.

The California DMV made a useful video breaking down the steps of the method, which may be discovered right here.

What paperwork will I have to get my REAL ID?

To use for a REAL ID card, you will want at the very least one doc proving your identification and two paperwork proving your residency in California.

What paperwork are accepted as proof of identification?

The next paperwork are accepted as proof of identification with the California Division of Motor Automobiles:

• Legitimate U.S. passport or passport card
• Unique or Licensed copy of U.S start certificates (issued by a metropolis, county, or state very important statistics workplace)
• Legitimate Everlasting Resident Card
• Overseas passport with legitimate U.S. Visa and accredited I-94 kind
• Certificates of Naturalization or Certificates of U.S. Citizenship
• Licensed copy of start certificates from a U.S. Territory
• Legitimate Employment Authorization Doc (EAD) Card (I-766) or legitimate/expired EAD Card with Discover of Motion (I-797 C)
• Legitimate Everlasting Resident Card with Discover of Motion (I-797 C) or Approval Discover (I-797)
• U.S. Certificates of Delivery Overseas or Consular Report of Delivery Overseas of U.S. Citizen
• Legitimate overseas passport stamped “Processed for I-551”
• Paperwork reflecting TPS profit eligibility

What paperwork are accepted as proof of residency?

The most typical and most popular paperwork embrace house utility or cellphone payments, medical paperwork, financial institution information, employment paperwork, tax returns and different tax paperwork, and insurance coverage statements. Rental and lease agreements, change of tackle affirmation from USPS, property tax payments and different paperwork are additionally accepted. Candidates should submit two paperwork with the intention to show California residency and procure a REAL ID.

Why is the federal government requiring these REAL IDs?

The push to universalize the identification playing cards will assist shield residents from potential threats during which terrorists try to make use of fraudulent IDs to board flights and enter authorities buildings.

“Whereas bettering government-issued IDs alone won’t thwart each deliberate terrorist assault, it does current an vital impediment to any potential terrorist working in the US and will help legislation enforcement in stopping terrorist plots,” DHS says on its web site. “Securing IDs is a common sense nationwide safety and legislation enforcement crucial, which additionally helps to fight identification fraud and unlawful immigration.”

For extra data on the REAL ID program, click on right here.